The Caldwell Commentaries Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
This is the conclusion of the longest sermon in the Book of Acts - and likely the most important. Stephen had reviewed Israel's history and the great contributions of some of her most honored leaders (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, and Solomon). The High Court of Israel had gotten a quick overview of her history, which the men permitted Stephen to present because they loved to hear about themselves. However, slowly, his selective presentation started to get uncomfortable as they began to realize where his focus on their "rejection of deliverers" pattern of behavior was going. Was he really going to indict them for having rejected (and killed) Jesus?! Would he dare to go that far!?
Yes, he would, even though he knew it would likely cost him his life. Realizing his listeners were reaching the end of their tolerance of him and were about to make him stop, Stephen catapulted into his application-rebuke - and it was BOLD and BLUNT! After calling them "stiff-necked" and uncircumcised in heart and ears, He told them, ". . . ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51)! He also accused them of the betrayal and murder of "the Just One" - and they knew he spoke of Jesus and used for Him a title only reserved for God!
Stephen's phenomenal use of his two-edged sword, the Word of God, hit its target. The Sanhedrin Council members "were cut to the heart" (7:54). Their hypocritically pious masks were torn off and they were exposed for the false shepherds they were. Yet, rather than repent, they gnashed their teeth in seething anger. THEY had been the ones on trial, and they were guilty of having blasphemed everything God had ever given them! They could not defend themselves, so they decided they would silence the one who spoke the truth about their depraved hearts. Saul of Tarsus was among them; little did they know he would soon pick-up where Stephen left off! Truth cannot be silenced, much as men might try.
Life of Christ Lesson 164: The Mystery of the Gethsemane Cup
Fascinating Details of the Christmas Account! {You‘ll Want to Share!}
What the Bible Says About Angels
Heaven - Part I {Often Asked Heaven Questions Answered from Scripture} NEW STUDY
Life of Christ Lesson 163: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part V {He Prays for Us!}
Life of Christ Lesson 162: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part IV
Heaven - Part II {More Misconceptions Corrected in this Exciting Glimpse of The New Jerusalem} NEW STUDY!
Life of Christ Lesson 161: The Lords High Priestly Prayer - Part III
Life of Christ Lesson 160b: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part II
Life of Christ Lesson 160a: The Lord’s High Priestly Prayer - Part I
Life of Christ Lesson 159: O Boy, Coming Joy! {Transformed, Transcendent, and Triumphant JOY}!
Life of Christ Lesson 156: The Hatred of the World
Life of Christ Lesson 155: The Love of the Lord
Life of Christ Lesson 154: The Vine and Branches - Part II
Life of Christ Lesson 153: The Vine and Branches - Part I
Life of Christ Lesson 152: The Promised Peace!
Life of Christ Lesson 151: The Promised Paraclete {Four Wonderful Promises Concerning the Holy Spirit}
Life of Christ Lesson 150: Christ and the Father {Including What it Means to Pray in Jesus’ Name}
Life of Christ Lesson 149b: True Comfort for Troubled Hearts - Part II
Life of Christ Lesson 149a: True Comfort for Troubled Hearts - I
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